Robert F. Salkowski

Biography

Robert Salkowski completed his undergraduate studies at George Washington University in 1988, later earning his Juris Doctor from the University of Miami School of Law in 1991.

Following his graduation from law school, Robert began his legal career in Tampa, Florida, focusing on complex commercial litigation and bankruptcy, representing both creditors and trustees. In 1995, he joined Zarco Einhorn Salkowski PA after serving as Counsel at Ocwen Financial Corporation in West Palm Beach, Florida.

Robert is admitted to practice law in Florida and New Jersey, as well as numerous federal courts including the U.S. District Court for the Middle District of Florida, District of New Jersey, and Northern District of Illinois. He also appears in appellate courts, such as the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fifth, Ninth, and Eleventh Circuits. He has represented clients in various state and federal courts across the country. Robert is a Fellow of the Litigation Counsel of America and an active member of the Miami-Dade Bar Association and the American Bar Association's Forum of Franchising.

His practice primarily focuses on franchise law and complex commercial litigation.

Current Employment Position

• Partner, Zarco Einhorn Salkowski PA

Practice Areas

• Franchise Law
• Commercial Litigation

Past Positions

• Counsel, Ocwen Financial Corporation

Honors & Awards

• Included in Best Lawyers in America for Franchise Law and Commercial Litigation, 2006 to present
• Fellow, Litigation Counsel of America, National Trial Lawyers Honorary Society, Since 2025
• Recognized as 'Lawyer of the Year' in Franchise Law by Best Lawyers in America, 2014
• Named in Florida's Super Lawyers for Franchise/Dealership and Business Litigation, from 2012 to present
• Received Chambers USA National Ranking in Franchising (primarily Franchisee)
• AV Pre-Eminent Rating for professional legal ability and ethical standards by Martindale Hubbell/LexisNexis, since 2003
• Listed among the 'Top 10 Influential Franchisee Lawyers in the USA', Business Today, 2023
• Legal Eagles Hall of Fame, Franchise Times Magazine, since 2018
• 'Legal Eagles' by Franchise Times Magazine, 2008 to present
• 'Top Deal-Makers of the Year' in Real Estate Land Development, Daily Business Review, 2013
• Recognized as 'Legal Elite' in Franchising by Florida Trend Magazine
• who’s Who Legal (WWL) 'Global Leader' in Franchise Law, 2015 to present
• Highlighted in South Florida's Best Lawyers, 2009 to present
• Business Leader, 2011

Professional Associations

• Miami-Dade Bar Association, Member
• American Bar Association, Member
• International Franchise Association (IFA)
• American Association of Franchisees and Dealers (AAFD)
• Coalition of Franchisee Associations (CFA)

Education

• University of Miami School of Law, Coral Gables, Florida
  • J.D., Doctor of Jurisprudence - 1991
• George Washington University, Washington, District of Columbia
  • B.A., Bachelor of Arts - 1988
  • Major: Political Science

Bar Admissions

• Florida, 1991
• New Jersey
• U.S. District Court Middle District of Florida
• U.S. District Court District of New Jersey
• U.S. District Court Northern District of Illinois
• U.S. Court of Appeals 5th Circuit
• U.S. Court of Appeals 9th Circuit
• U.S. Court of Appeals 11th Circuit
• U.S. Supreme Court
• U.S. Court of Appeals 10th Circuit
• U.S. District Court Southern District of Florida

Classes & Seminars

• May 2024: “Field Stories from Mediations in Franchise Systems, Successes and Challenges,” at the IBA/IFA Annual Joint Conference, Washington D.C.
• May 2024: “Franchising in the Legislative and Regulatory Spotlight,” IFA Legal Symposium, Washington, D.C.
• October 2021: “Do You Want to Litigate in London or Timbuktu? Negotiating and Settling International Franchise Disputes Before Arbitration or Litigation Heats Up,” 44th Annual ABA Forum on Franchising, Atlanta, GA
• January 2021: Co-Speaker, “Financial Performance Representations in a COVID-19 World,” 2021 IFA Annual Convention
• October 2017: “Basics of Franchisee Bankruptcy,” 40th Annual ABA Forum on Franchising, Palm Desert, CA
• October 2015: “Structured Workouts: Franchisor Strategies For Dealing with Financially Troubled Franchisees,” 38th Annual ABA Forum on Franchising, New Orleans, LA
• May 2015: “2015 Judicial Update,” 48th Annual IFA Legal Symposium, Chicago, IL
• April 2015: “Multi-Unit Mergers & Acquisitions,” Franchise Update’s 15th Annual Multi-Unit Franchising Conference, Las Vegas, NV
• February 2015: “Resolving Franchise Disputes,” 2015 IFA Annual Convention, Las Vegas, NV
• May 2014: “Making the Case for Franchise Standards Beyond 'Because I Said So',” 2014 IFA Legal Symposium, Chicago, IL
• February 2014: “Survey of Franchise Litigation Development and Trends,” 2014 Hospitality Law Conference, HOSPITALITYLAWYER.COM, Houston, TX
• February 2012: “Vicarious Liability of Hotel Owners,” 2012 Hospitality Law Conference, HOSPITALITYLAWYER.COM, Houston, TX
• October 2011: ”The Five Most Litigated Provisions in the Franchise Disclosure Document,” ABA Forum on Franchising, 34th Annual Meeting, Baltimore, MD
• February 2011: “The Franchise Debate,” 2011 Hospitality Law Conference, HOSPITALITYLAWYER.COM, Houston, TX
• May 2010: “Franchise Litigation,” 2010 International Franchise Association (IFA) Legal Symposium, Washington, D.C
• February 2010: “The Franchise Debate,” 2010 Hospitality Law Conference, HOSPITALITYLAWYER.COM, Houston, TX
• October 2008: “Determining The Rules of Engagement In Litigation Here And Abroad,” ABA Forum on Franchising, 31st Annual Meeting, Austin, TX
• January 2003: “Professionalism in Franchise Law,” Florida Bar Franchise Seminar, Miami, FL